International Year Zero: Engineering and Computing

Covering the major mathematical and scientific principles, this programme gives you a great start in engineering and computing. With a heavy focus on maths, physics and programming, you’ll deepen your understanding during your foundation year.

After finishing the course, you will continue your studies in either our School of Computer Science where you will obtain a BSc degree that is accredited by the British Computer Society or you will join our School of Electronic Engineering, with its range of specialist courses. Our BEng programmes, which are accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology, can set you on the road to Chartered Engineer Status.

Modules:

Database Design and Usage

This module is a practical introduction to the technology and terminology around tabular data, and the construction and use of a database. You will develop a database for a given situation – for example, a simulated business using current standards and appropriate software – and use that database to identify and solve problems. By the end of the module, you will have a more advanced understanding of data processing and the construction and uses of databases.

Electricity, Electronics and Fields

This module provides you with a basic knowledge of electricity and electronics, and of fields, that you will be able to apply in real engineering and computing situations. You will learn about current and charge, Ohm’s Law, capacitors in DC circuits, measuring AC, transistors and logic circuits. Fields subjects include potential energy, electrical and gravitational fields, satellite launches, measuring magnetic fields and their forces, inductance and transformers, and data analysis.

Further Mathematics

This module covers complex mathematical skills and knowledge, such as: algebra, including partial fractions and inverse functions; the circle; trigonometry; differentiation and integration, including trigonometric, and logarithmic and exponential functions; and solving first-order differential equations with separable variables, vector and vector methods in two and three dimensions, and forces as fixed vectors.

Mechanics

Continuing to develop your maths skills and knowledge, this module introduces you to the relationships between forces, linear motion and energy, and the conditions for the static equilibrium of a body. The main topics it covers are: vectors; forces and equilibrium; relative motion; Newton’s Laws of Motion; friction, including Hooke’s Law; and work, energy and power, including work and kinetic energy, and the conservation of mechanical energy.

Problem Solving and Programming

Introducing you to problem solving via computer applications, you’ll develop a basic understanding of algorithms and their uses, as well as gaining hands-on experience using simple software programs to solve problems. You will receive a basic introduction to the techniques of data handling and processing, and to the syntax of programming languages required for a computing degree.

Properties of Matter and Waves

In this module, you’ll gain a basic knowledge of atomic physics, materials, heat and gases, and oscillations and waves. There is a heavy emphasis on safe laboratory practice and procedures. The main topics covered are: properties of waves; sound; reflection and refraction; interference and diffraction; and electromagnetic waves. You will also study materials and consider the structures of solids and liquids, and heat and gases, as well as exploring the structure of the atom, radioactivity, and fission and fusion.

Mathematics

This module provides you with the appropriate foundation in maths skills that you need for undergraduate studies in engineering and computer science. The main topics covered are: algebra, including indices and logarithms; binomial theorem and quadratic equations; differential calculus; integration as the inverse of differentiation; set theory; and probability and experimental laws.